1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M3 and Xiaomi Redmi 12, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 is taller but thinner, Poco M3 is wider and thicker. Redmi 12 likely feels more modern. |
| Weight | 198g | 198.5g | Virtually identical weight; both feel similarly substantial in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2460 | Redmi 12 has a slightly sharper display with more pixels, but difference might be negligible. |
| Pixel Density | 395 ppi | 396 ppi | Both are almost identical in pixel density, producing similar clarity |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both have similar LCD quality, good color reproduction, but not as vibrant as OLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi 12 has smoother scrolling and animations, better for daily usage, gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both appear to have no peak brightness reported, which is not helpful for comparison |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | MediaTek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Redmi 12's chipset offers better general app performance, smoother operation, and potentially better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 249,400 | Redmi 12 provides a noticeable performance uplift in benchmarks, better for demanding applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Redmi 12’s GPU is faster and will handle games better. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Poco M3 has significantly larger battery, offering longer usage between charges, good for heavy users. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Both charge at the same rate |
| Features | 22.5W charger, Reverse charging | 9W reverse wired charging, Reverse charging | Poco M3 charger offers faster charging speeds, Redmi 12 can also be used to charge other devices |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Poco M3's larger sensor may lead to better low-light performance; Redmi 12's sensor offers slightly higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.1 | Poco M3's wider aperture allows slightly better low-light selfies. Missing Redmi 12 pixel size. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | Redmi 12 offers a wider field of view, useful for group shots or landscapes. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi 12 allows for close-up shots. Missing Redmi 12 pixel size |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, slow-motion 120fps | 1080p@30fps, slow-motion 120fps | Similar video capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Manual focus, Panorama | 4K video, RAW | Redmi 12 can record 4K videos and allows more control with RAW format for photos |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Redmi 12 offers a more recent version of Android, with improved features and security, and better long-term software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support standard WiFi |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE, aptX | Redmi 12 has a newer Bluetooth version for better connectivity and audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Poco M3 supports an additional NavIC system, potentially offering a bit better GPS accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM, Dual Standby | Dual Nano SIM, Dual Standby | Both are standard dual SIM. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Redmi 12 has more storage options |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Redmi 12 has a larger maximum RAM for better multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Poco M3 offers better audio quality with stereo speakers and Hi-Res support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both offer similar fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Poco M3's screen protection might be more durable. Missing screen protection specs for Redmi 12 |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | Redmi 12 has an added gyroscope for better gaming experience and motion control |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Its 6000mAh battery provides significantly longer battery life, ideal for users who need all-day usage without frequent charging.
- Better Audio: Offers Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience.
- Better Screen Protection: Has Corning Gorilla Glass 3, while the Redmi 12 protection is not known
- Faster Charger Included: Comes with a faster 22.5W charger, reducing charging times.
Practical Implications: The Poco M3 is suitable for users who prioritize battery life and audio quality, such as frequent travelers or media consumers.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Advantages:
- Better Performance: The Helio G88 chipset offers a noticeable performance boost over the Snapdragon 662.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a smoother user experience, especially for scrolling and gaming.
- More Modern Software: Ships with Android 13 and upgradable to 14 offering newer features.
- Better Camera: Includes wide and macro cameras, along with 4K video recording and RAW photo capabilities, offering more versatility in photography.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Redmi 12 offers more storage and RAM options for more flexibility.
- More Modern Connectivity: Redmi 12 offers newer Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX for better audio connectivity.
Practical Implications: The Redmi 12 excels for users who prioritize smooth performance, a versatile camera, and modern software.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco M3's larger battery comes at the expense of a slightly thicker and older design.
- The Redmi 12's better performance and camera features come with a smaller battery compared to the Poco M3.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3:
- Ideal User: Users who need a long-lasting battery, value audio quality, and are on a tight budget.
- Use Cases:
- Long days without access to charging.
- Media consumption (movies, music) on the go.
- Users who don't play demanding games.
- Older OS is not a problem for the user.
- Price-to-Value: Good for basic users wanting a great price-to-value ratio, with excellent battery life and adequate performance.
Xiaomi Redmi 12:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, camera versatility, and a modern user experience.
- Use Cases:
- Social media enthusiasts who take frequent photos and videos.
- Gamers who play casual and moderate games.
- Users who value software updates and the latest features.
- Users who want a larger storage option.
- Price-to-Value: Slightly higher price but offers more advanced features, especially in camera, display and performance.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions to help buyers decide between these phones:
How important is battery life?
- If battery life is paramount, the Poco M3 is the better choice.
- If a full day of use is enough, and performance is more important, consider the Redmi 12.
What kind of photos and videos do you take?
- If versatility and quality are important, consider the Redmi 12 with its added wide, macro lenses and 4k video.
- If you mainly want to take standard photos, the Poco M3 is good enough with its standard 48MP lens.
How important is software and overall speed?
- If the latest software features, smoother overall performance, and gaming are important, the Redmi 12 is a better choice.
- If you are on a strict budget, and these features are not a priority, the Poco M3 can still be considered.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Traveler/Commuter: If you're a frequent traveler or commuter, the Poco M3 is better due to its longer battery life and higher quality audio for entertainment.
- Social Media Enthusiast: If you take photos and videos frequently for social media, the Redmi 12 offers more versatile camera options, including 4K video and wide angle lens.
- Budget Gamer: If you game casually, Redmi 12 will offer better performance with its stronger GPU and the 90Hz display.
- Power User: If you need to multitask often with many apps, the Redmi 12 offers more RAM capacity.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi 12.
Reasoning: While the Poco M3's larger battery and Hi-Res audio are tempting, the Redmi 12's newer chipset, 90Hz display, more versatile camera, modern software, and better performance offers a more comprehensive and future-proof experience. The Poco M3 is still a great phone for basic usage, but for my needs as an all-around user, the Redmi 12 is a better choice. The Redmi 12 allows for more advanced options, such as 4K recording, RAW photos and more storage, and I would prefer these to a bit more battery and audio quality. The better display also is another big factor for my decision.
